Funds for 1yr old Saanvi congenital heart disease

The light of our lives, Saanvi Sahoo, turned one on September 18 this year. Little as she is, my baby niece is fighting a big battle -- with a congenital heart disease, namely, large Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and Pulmonary Hypertension.

In simpler words, PDA is a condition where a fetal blood vessel fails to close after birth, leading to an irregular transmission of blood between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. If not treated, the condition makes poorly-oxygenated blood flow in the wrong direction thus weakening the heart muscle and causing heart failure and a number of other complications.

While a small PDA does not necessarily cause complications, larger and untreated one could cause high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) like it has in Saanvi's case, which may also result in permanent lung damage. Another complication of the condition is Heart Infection (Endocarditis) -- inflammation of the heart's inner lining (Infectious Endocarditis). Another adverse effect of the condition is Saanvi's inability to gain weight. Hence, even though one-year-old, her growth has been much slower.

Along with battling with PDA, Saanvi was also diagnosed with a blocked kidney that she underwent a surgery for a few weeks ago. Shortly after, she had to be rushed to the ICU at Mumbai's SRCC Children's Hospital for bronchitis and viral infection along with urine infection.

Our little Saanvi, whom we fondly call Mishti which means sweet in our mother tongue Oriya, is a fighter. In spite of frequent trips to the hospital, she is a happy and playful baby. Her cheerful face and spirit are also a source of positivity and hope for us. We will hold our girl's hand through it all.

Saanvi's treatment options would include monitoring, medication, and closure of the blood vessel by cardiac catheterization or surgery. And it would also entail numerous hospitalizations, some completely unexpected like the current one.

While we are not lacking in courage, it's the finances for her treatment that we hope to get help for. Her medical tests, doctor's consultation and treatment since the diagnosis six odd months ago, has already set us back financially. We want to be ready to face hardships in all forms. We are looking for help in the way of donations. No amount is small enough. Any contribution would mean another ray of hope for us. And for that, Saanvi, her parents and I will be eternally grateful.

Please also help spread the word.

Thank you

Paypal- [email protected]

Name- Sourav Majhi